NELSON CHAMPIONSHIPS

Last weekend, (March 18th19th), some of the Malvern Rifle Club members travelled to Westport to compete in the 2023 Nelson Championship Meeting. As forecast, Saturday and Sunday were glorious sunny days on the Pakihi Range at Westport.

Saturday started with shooting at 300 yards (twice) the 500 and 600 yards. Sunday started at 600 yards finishing with two rounds at 700 yards.

With the wind at times proving challenging, Malvern’s shooters accepted the challenge. Andre Du Toit , Chris Kershaw , Allan White and Jess Riddle scored possibles during the competition.

The Malvern Rifle Club won the team's competition for the weekend.

Congratulations to Champions Andre, Jess and Charlie Ledbrook , as well as Chris, Sam Kershaw , Barry Brown and

Fete Success

Geoff Smith for their placings. This weekend is the Jack Shield inter-club team competition shot over 300, 500 and 600 yards. The Range setup is at 12:30pm, with the competition beginning at 1pm. Visitors are welcome Contact details can be found on the Malvern Rifle Club Facebook page: Malvern Rifle Club Mark Alexander.

EllesmereWardCouncillorShaneEpihaandSelwynMP NicolaGriggenjoyedattendingthe2023LeestonFete,on18th March,withanestimatedcrowdofwellover10,000.

TheFetewasopenedbytheEllesmerePipeBandat10am andhefreechildren'sentertainmentinAndersonSquarewas enthusiasticallyembracedbyhundredsofchildren,withthe bouncycastles,bumpercars,ponyridesandPedalmania. Chairperson,KathMentinkcommented, “Althoughthecommittee wereexhausted,toseethecrowdscomeandenjoyLeeston madeallthehardworkworthwhile”.

SEASON WRAP-UP

The 2022/23 Darfield Touch season continued with a good number of teams/participants enjoying a great season of playing touch, the first full season without restrictions for a couple of years. This year there were twenty mixed competition grade teams pre-Christmas. It was also great to see so many high school aged players/teams coming through having previously played through the Junior Touch grades, along with new teams joining as well. PostChristmas there were nineteen teams.

The second round of the mixed competition was completed last week, with lots of close games and so many teams showing great improvement over the season. A lot of games in the second round were very close, making for a tight competition. The Junior grades this season saw increased numbers yet again, with approximately 250 to 260 registered players, and an additional two grades created, plus the skills sessions. The progress of skills in all players has been amazing to watch.

Congratulations to all the teams who played in the finals, the prize winners, and thank you to everyone who played for a great season. A huge thank you also to all the volunteers who have made this season another success - parents, coaches, refs and those on the organising committee.

2022/2023 RESULTS:

Round 1 Winners:

Mixed 1: Sheffield Sharks

Mixed 2: Half Time Oranges

Mixed 3: Bombers

Mixed 4: Touch Balls

Finals Winners:

Mixed 1: Sheffield Sharks

R/Up Half Time Oranges

Mixed 2: Bombers

R/Up Cavaliers

Mixed 3: The Heffalumps

R/Up Darfield Lawn Bowl

Mixed 4: Touch Balls

R/Up Orange Roughy

Senior Awards:

• Sportswoman: Darci Brostow

• Sportsman: Jack Barnes

• Most Improved Female: Jade Lee

• Most Improved Male: Sonny-Bill McAndrew

• High School Player Award, Female: Emma Cunningham

• High School Player Award, Male: Lucas Tapa-Wither

• Most Consistent Team: The B Team

• Most Improved Team: The Dummy Runners

• Most Touchdowns: Touch Balls

• Referee’s Sportsmanship Award: Amanda Clarkson

• Helpful Behind Scenes: Hugh & Chimene Ridgen & Family

Junior Awards:

• Jnr Most Valuable Female: Alyssa

Clarkson (Kirwee Kids)

• Jnr Most Valuable Male: Sonny-Bill McAndrew (Makos)

• Intermediate Fair Play Female: Sophie Wright (Mars)

• Intermediate Fair Play Male: Isaac McCorkindale (Pluto)

• Junior Fair Play Female: Emma George (Eagles)

• Junior Fair Play Male: Reece Taljaard (Jaguars)

• Development Fair Play Female: Freya Tymons-Bell (Dar Tigers)

• Development Fair Play Male: Mason Williams (Kir Comets)

• Emerging Fair Play Female: Kate Hussey (Hotshots)

• Emerging Fair Play Male: Nixon

Earl (Darfield Ducklings)

• Mini’s Fair Play Female: Riley Growcott (Sharks)

• Mini’s Fair Play Male: Jethro Broughton (Colts).

Hope to see you all again next season. Darfield Touch Committee.

MostImprovedSeniorPlayer andJuniorMost ValuablePlayer; Sonny-BillMcAndrew.

SportsmanAward-JackBarnes (HalfTimeOranges).